When I joined the Rigney family, I knew that baseball was a big part of “us” and who we are. Robby’s family has deep roots in baseball, and it is evident in the man cave in our home, in our dates as a young couple in Dallas (My Texas! My Rangers!) and our TV channels at home!

Who knew I would actually love baseball, too?!?!

After I met Robby, baseball became fun to me. I learned to keep score and follow players through the season. I got excited when the Rangers were in the World Series! The girl who knew nothing about sports, could keep up with Sports Center at night. What was happening to me? I was becoming a Rigney.

The ultimate proof that I’m “in,” I couldn’t wait to come to Spring Training for my week off of work. A day game sitting in the berm with my hubby sounds pretty good to me! (I only wish we could bring our dog with us!)

Day #1- Oakland A’s and the Diamondbacks. We had seats behind the players’ wives and kids. Nice shaded area, very chill and relaxed. Nice!

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Day #2- Giants v Brewers

On this day, Robby and I relaxed in the berm on a blanket with a few hundred other fans. It’s always entertaining in the berm!

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Day #3- Rangers v White Sox

Another great day in the berm! ﻿﻿﻿﻿ The clouds and a breeze made it the perfect weather.

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It’s a long way back to the Ballpark in Arlington!﻿

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Robby tried to work with me on keeping scores and stats. Not too sure about this yet, but I think I can get it right!﻿

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Oh! AND I got us on TV sending a shout out back to Midland. Watch out, media, I think I like the camera!

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Many of you asked, and yes…Will Ferrell showed up to play baseball, but we missed him. Our game time was quite enjoyable, though.

Back for a 2nd year in a row, I couldn’t be happier to be in Phoenix for Spring Break. Hello sunshine! After weeks of ice and snow in Midland, this Texas girl needed some warm weather. Every day is in the mid 80’s here. Glorious!!

Last night, we went to a Phoenix Suns basketball game.

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And of course, we’re starting out our trip with some time at the golf course. The Phoenician is a lovely course with great hiking trails and scenery all around.

For my mother-in-law’s birthday, we (Jenny, Kayla, and I) decided to take her to The Big Apple. Greta had never been before and we thought it would be a fun trip for just the girls!

We had a great time being typical tourists. We saw the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, took walks through Central Park, ate at Serendipty’s, Juniors, and Gray’s Papaya’s, took the subway, went to the top of the Empire State Building, walked (a LOT), enjoyed broadway shows, and much much more!

Spring Break was delightful! Delightful was my word for the week. The weather, the food, the games, everything was delightful! Robby and I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona with Danny and Kayla to watch baseball spring training. As you can see, it was a good time to kick my feet up and relax.

Robby started off his trip by playing golf with a few of his dad’s long time friends. He really enjoyed playing with them.

I got to go with Robby for a few mornings of golf. Amazing landscapes out in Phoenix. Pictures just can’t describe how pretty it was.

And of course, we watched baseball. 4 days of games, sunshine, and relaxing.

Pictured above are Danny & Kayla.

Green grass! Y’all, I haven’t seen green grass in months, due to our drought in West Texas. My toes delighted in the soft, cool grass.

Our family met up for dinner with the Jones family, long time friends of Greta and Bill. We ate in Old Scottsdale at the Pink Pony. Delish!! We enjoyed visiting so much with them that we all got together the next night at their house and grilled out by the pool. How nice to swim in March!

I didn’t think I would like Phoenix as much as I did. It was a pleasant surprise. Can’t wait to go back next year!

I finished my job with the geologist last week and had a few days off before starting my new job. (That’s right! New job! More to come on that later.) So I decided to go visit my family in East Texas and get some quality time in with them. Robby had to stay back because he started his new job this week. (Yep, he got a new job, too! We’re busy around here, huh?!)

I started out on my journey, listening to pod-casts and spending time in prayer. Once I got to Ft. Worth, I stopped for the night to split up the trip. First on my list was to attend my little cousin Collin’s baptism! I loved getting to see my college friend and cousin Spencer baptize his own son. So cool!

Spencer baptizing Collin

My best friend from college, Miranda, attended the baptism with me and then we went to eat before I crashed at her house for the night. We spent some great time catching up, goodness me I needed that time with her. She took me to a fantastic restaurant in Ft. Worth called Brewed and then we chatted some more at her house. Some how I forgot to get a picture with her for this blog post. But I did snap a picture of her adorable make-up vanity area. When Robby and I get our own place, I want Miranda to come help decorate.

Miranda’s great style!

AND THEN, I stopped by a coffee shop to see another best friend from college, Jennifer. She made me a great cup of coffee and I enjoyed visiting her at work. If you get a chance, go by Origins in Dallas and get her to whip up something for you! She’s a great barista.

Though extremely hot and humid (heat index of 108 on most days there. YIKES!), I enjoyed every moment there. Just to sit on the deck in the back yard and listen to the cicada. It truly is the sound of a summer night for me. Aside from that, I spent time with family doing lots of fun things.

I went with my grandmother and father to visit my great-aunt, Jewel. She’s 101 years old and just a clever as ever! I just love listening to her stories. She’s a fantastic story-teller and can hold an audience captive for hours.

My mother and I went to Holly Hill Homestead to have lunch with our friend Jolene. You may remember that a few months back I mentioned Jolene’s wonderful poppy-seed dressing. Of course, I picked up a few more bottles while there at the B&B. And lunch….just delish! Here are a few pictures from Holly Hill, a precious bed and breakfast set back in the piney woods of East Texas.

The front porch is so inviting!

A cozy little bed nestled on the back porch!

Look at this kitchen! I’m in love!

Jolene’s cooking is a taste of Heaven!

The newest cabin. Can’t wait to stay there!

Jolene and Mom, long time friends

No trip would be complete without spending time with my niece and nephew. They’re schedules were pretty busy, but I swept them away at 9:00pm for a late night trip to get ice cream! Aren’t they cute!?!?! Love these kiddos!

My Munchkin, Zachary.

Brookers! She’s growing up way too fast.

My trip home was over far too soon. But I was excited to make my way back home because I had friends to see in Dallas/Ft. Worth. For lunch I called up friends that I taught with while in Richardson ISD. Though many couldn’t make it, a great group showed up. It’s so fun to catch up with everyone! Love them!

Forest Lane Academy Staff! Love these people!

And then!!! I saw friends with babies!! 2 of my dearest friends are new mommies! I couldn’t wait to catch up with them, hear about their new additions, and hold sweet babies! Alex and baby Zevin were 1st. He was 1 month old and a little darling. Alex looks great, just glowing away. (or maybe that’s the delirious side of no sleep for a month! ha!)

Alex, baby Zevin, and me!

The next new-born to see was Courtni and baby Hayes. He was 1 week old!! SO TINY! I didn’t get a picture of Courtni (You’re welcome, Courtni), but I love these precious pictures with Hayes. He slept so soundly in my arms and I almost didn’t hand him over when his great-grandmother showed up. Newborns are so sweet!

Hayes and me

Look at that little smile. Melt my heart!

By the time that I visited with all these wonderful people and held sweet babies (I might have a bit of baby fever, but who wouldn’t after seeing these two little guys?!?!), it was time to keep on driving home. Reluctantly I started back on I-20 and kept on trucking West. Rain hit around Abilene, and there was a beautiful sky.

I made it home safely and couldn’t WAIT to get a hug and kiss from my hubby! What a enjoyable trip.

I love this time of year! It’s when all of our cousins get together and catch up for the weekend. My mother’s generation of 1st cousins started this way back in the 90’s and it’s just kept on going! Oh, the fun times we’ve had watching baseball games, going to putt-putt courses, floating the river, shopping, and more. Most of my generation of cousins can look back at the pictures and watch ourselves grow up!

This year we all gathered outside of New Braunfels, TX in Seguin. The house was quite unique, with lots of connecting bedrooms and places. The kiddos loved it because it made this never ending circle of chase and tag for them. We all enjoyed the deck in the back that overlooked the Guadalupe Rive. So relaxing!

Our view of the river, calm and peaceful.

House view from the back deck.

Most of our time was spent catching up and visiting. On Saturday we ventured into the water, though.

The Morell Family

The Collins’

Mary Anne and Bailey

Brooke and Zachary were tired from their river floating excursion!

And of course, what family reunion would be complete without some game time?!?!

Teaching Peyton how to play Gin Rummy…..he’s sneaky, so keep those cards close!

We enjoyed fresh watermelon on the deck! Perfect for a hot summer’s day in Texas!

Bailey was excited for watermelon, though she wasn’t keen on the idea of spitting out the seeds.